2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Arizona

Known for its extensive catalog of online programming, Scottsdale's Arizona State University (ASU) is a large public institution offering online bachelor's and master's degrees in substance use counseling as well as graduate certificate programs.

• The Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences - Substance Abuse and Addictions requires 120 credits, and it aims to help undergraduates build skills in the field. These include diagnoses, assessments, and treatments, which students learn about through courses, such as Multicultural Counseling Theory, Psychopharmacology, and Practice and Addiction Group Counseling. Graduates often pursue careers as addiction counselors, community health workers, and substance abuse social workers.
• The Master of Science in Addiction Psychology is a 45-credit program that combines research and clinical expertise in its curriculum. Courses — such as Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Programs and Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis — help prepare students for licensure and careers as clinical directors, clinicians, and therapists.
• The Online Addiction and Substance Use Related Disorders Graduate Certificate may complement a master's degree in nursing, psychology, or social work. It also includes the option of a 300-hour practicum to pursue licensure. Online students complete courses such as Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems and Ethics. Graduates may pursue careers as private practitioners and intake coordinators.

ASU's distance learners use the Canvas learning management system to access fully online courses asynchronously. ASU offers a wide range of online student resources, such as advising, success coaching, writing center services, tutoring, and mental health and wellness.

Hispanic-serving Rio Salado College (RSC) in Tempe is a mid-sized, public, two-year school. It offers an online associate degree and certifications in SA counseling.

• The Associate in Applied Science in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders is a two-year degree designed to help students prepare for an entry-level job in the field, four-year university enrollment, and career advancement. Courses in this 61-68 credit program focus on theories and techniques and include Group Interventions, AIDS and Addiction, and Beginning Clinical Documentation Skills. Potential job titles include health education specialist, social worker, substance abuse counselor, and social and human services assistant.
• The Certificate of Completion in Professional Addictions Counseling. This certificate is designed to provide practicing behavioral health professionals with addiction counseling skills. It focuses on recovery, relapse, self-help, and intervention. This 11-14 credit fast-track certificate takes two semesters or less to complete. Students take seminars such as Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders, Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse, and Street Drugs. The curriculum helps meet certification requirements.
• The Certificate of Completion in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders - Level I is for students interested in entering the counseling field who aren't seeking a degree or behavioral health professionals seeking continuing education courses may pursue this 21-credit certificate and its Level II partner. It focuses on theories, techniques, ethics, communication, and documentation. Courses include Principles of Self-Help Groups, Introduction to Individual Counseling Theories, and Pharmacology of Substances of Abuse and Dependency.
• The Certificate of Completion in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders - Level II is a Level II program that starts where the Level I program ends, focusing on advanced theories and techniques, family dynamics and relationships, and multicultural and diverse populations. Students must complete 39-43 credits, including courses such as Communication Skills in Treating Addiction, Family Dynamics and Addiction, and Professional Ethics in Addictions and Substance Abuse Disorders.

RSC uses its proprietary RioLearn digital platform to deliver its online program curriculum asynchronously. Its distance learners can access student resources remotely, such as academic advising, tutoring, the library and bookstore, and career development services.

Kingman's Mohave Community College (MCC) is a mid-sized, public, Hispanic-serving institution offering an online associate degree and an online certificate in addictions counseling.

• The Associate of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling is an online degree, and it's one of only 29 in the U.S. accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission. Students learn the theories of substance abuse counseling as they apply to working with clients and providing treatment. Courses in this 62-credit program include Disorders Co-Occurring with Substance Abuse, Models of Treatment, and Clinical Assessment. The curriculum helps prepare students for entry-level addictions counseling careers as well as a bachelor's degrees in the field.
• The Substance Abuse Counseling Post-Degree Certificate is designed for working professionals interested in career advancement without an additional degree. It helps prepare students for certification and licensure after earning either an associate or bachelor's degree. Students complete 24 credits, including courses such as Service Coordination, Counseling Groups and Individuals, and Psychopharmacology.

MCC delivers its online programming asynchronously via Canvas. Courses are self-paced, allowing students to progress as their schedules allow. MCC's online student resources include career exploration, tutoring, veteran's services, and remote access to the MCC library.

Ottawa University (OU) is a small, private, nonprofit, and American Baptist institution based in Kansas with a Phoenix campus and online programs. Its online programming includes bachelor's and master's substance use counseling degrees.

• The Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling is an accelerated online degree program that helps prepare students for state licensing. An enrollment advisor can let you know how many credits are required, though it’s usually 120 for a bachelor's degree. Courses in this curriculum include Theories of Personality and Addictions as well as Families and Addiction. Coursework helps prepare students for careers in treatment facilities, outpatient treatment centers, and with state and local government agencies.
• The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is an online program that helps graduate students prepare for state licensure, including to become an Arizona Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor. A program advisor can tell you how many credits are required (usually about 40 for a master's degree). Graduate-level courses help prepare students for career advancement and include Multicultural Concerns in Addictions Counseling, and Law and Ethics in Addictions Counseling.

OU's distance learners use Blackboard to log in to their online classes asynchronously. Its accelerated programs have eight-week terms so students can finish faster. Online student resources include career development, tech support, remote library access, and disability services.